What is a "corset" brace?

[amae28]

I am 18 years old, and obviously out of the age range for bracing, but my curves are 42T and 37L, and I have a lot of back discomfort and pain daily. My orthopedic surgeon suggested that maybe wearing a "corset" brace would help support my back and therefore help alleviate some of the pain i am experiencing, although it would probably weaken my back muscles so i would have to exercise more to try and counteract that process.

I was wondering, does anyone know what the formal name for the brace he could be suggesting is, and whether it is a hard or soft brace? ... It blanked my mind to ask my dr. before i left the appointment, and it's basically up to me now to decide if i want one or not to wear only when my back is bothering me.

I have never been braced before because when i found out i had scoliosis i was almost done growing, and surgery has never been an option until recently that my curves have progressed.

:( Abbie

[LindaRacine]

Hi Abbie...

I think "corset brace" usually refers to soft elastic braces, like this one:

http://www.jointhealing.com/graphics/products/lumbar_hotcold_small.jpg

I've been told that braces can weaken abdominal muscles, so that would be something else about which you should be worried.

Regards,
Linda

[amae28]

thanks linda,

i am having problems with pain in the thoracic region of my back though, so that's why i am at a loss for what in the world he is talking about...

-abbie

[Cloudy]

Hey

Heres what i found a couple pics

http://www.corsetsandcrinolines.com/timelinepix/1900/back2.jpg

http://www.orthomerica.com/products/spinal/pref_spinal_images/corset_front.jpg

Hope it helps

[amae28]

thank you!

[LindaRacine]

Hi Abbie...

It might be worth a try, but I sort of doubt that a flexible brace will help with pain. If your pain is constant, you might want to just stop by a hospital supply store and try one on to see if it helps.

Regards,
Linda